“The Art of McCartney” Tribute Album Draws a Star-Studded Lineup

The Art of McCartney may be the most spectacular tribute album ever assembled for a bassist. McCartney, a legendary singer/songwriter/bassist (The Beatles, Wings and solo), has one of the most enviable catalogs of songs in popular music and a host of his musical contemporaries and descendants signed to sing on the collection of his work.

Compiled over more than a decade by music producer Ralph Sill, who also put together 1993’s Common Thread: The Songs Of The Eagles, the 36-track album features a star-studded lineup handling songs from all phases of McCartney’s storied career, including Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys), Bob Dylan, Alice Cooper, B.B. King, Smokey Robinson, Willie Nelson, Barry Gibb (The Bee Gees), Roger Daltrey (The Who), Heart, Owl City, Jamie Cullum, Billy Joel, rockabilly pioneer Wanda Jackson, Allen Toussaint, and Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders), among many more. Many of the artists are backed by McCartney’s longtime band, which includes guitarist/bassist Brian Ray.

Even family appears on the record, with Paul’s son James handling keyboard duties for The Cure’s cover of “Hello Goodbye.” In this case, longtime Cure bassist Simon Gallup handles the Paul’s iconic bass line for the classic Beatles tune:

Related Articles:

Share your thoughts

Louis

Funny…as years go year playing bass, the position of my bass started at my knees and now it’s up to my chest……it’s amazing how much difference there is in performing at this height. And no more wrist problems and flying fingers.